The Red Deer Titans aren’t the biggest team in the league, nor the most experienced, but they don’t lack talent.
The Titans ran their record to 2-0 in the Southern Alberta Women’s Second Division Summer League with a 28-10 victory over the Calgary Rams at Titans Park Thursday.
“We’re very young, with Courtney Armstrong our oldest player and she’s just over 30,” said Titans head coach Ray Rogers. “We have three or four new backs, but the main core of players have come up through our U19 program, so they have experience in that aspect. As well Dacey Livingstone plays with the University of Victoria and Amy Hawkins with the University of Calgary. Michelle Novotney played in Toronto with the Lions.”
Aly Bowd has the most experience, having played university as well as with Team Alberta.
“Her whole family has a lot of experience,” said Rogers.
Rogers first joined the program in 1999 before going overseas. He returned in 2008, so he’s been part of one of the top programs in the province for some time.
He credits a strong Titans Club for the continued development of both the men’s and women’s programs and feels the Central Alberta High School League plays a major role in the club’s success.
“Immense,” he said. “And not just for the women, but the men as well. They have such a strong program and the club tries to be involved with a lot of teams in helping coach. Every high school involved has men’s and women’s teams and of course not all the players come out with us, but we get around 20 for the U19 program. Right now there are so many other sports and things for the kids to do, but still the benefits for us are immense.”
The Titans women have played at all levels in the province from the premier league on down. This year they missed out of playing in the Alberta First Division when they lost their final match of the Spring League, finishing at 4-2. Now they have to concentrate on winning the South Second Division and the Division II provincials.
“If we make it that far,” said Rogers referring to the provincials.
The Titans play six league games before the playoffs.
“Everything will be done before the players leave for university,” he said.
The Titans could use a bit more size, but “we use our speed and a little bit of technique to get outside and wear other teams down.”
The Titans controlled play Thursday until late in the game when the Rams were able to make it respectable.
“We also got everyone in the game as we don’t want players losing interest,” said Rogers, who is also missing a couple of veteran players with injuries.
“We’ve been playing since May and overall have been fairly injury free, but there are a couple of players out. Then again the younger players have stepped in and the injured players will have to work hard to get their spots back.”
Novotney, Livingstone, Alexa Stang and Avery Lachambre scored tries for the Titans Thursday with Novotney and Bowd kicking converts.
The Titans return to action July 13 in Calgary against the Saracens, who are also 2-0, and return home July 20 against the Saints. They also have a makeup game at home against the Saracens and play the Rams in Calgary.